Bernard F. Pestow

Bernard F. Pestow, 92, of Goshen, died Sunday afternoon at Greencroft Goshen Healthcare after a brief illness. He was born September 1, 1920 in Goshen to Carl W. and Maude A. (Bosse) Pestow. He married Isabel Ruge December 28, 1946 at St. John's Rectory. She died July 6, 2008. Surviving are four children; Miriam (Timon) Kendall of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Carl W. (Connie) Pestow, Benjamin F. Pestow, and Sarah P. (Robert) Roeder, all of Goshen; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Pestow, Sun City, Arizona; and a brother, George Pestow of Goshen. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Patrick Phillip Pestow in 1969 and a brother, Carl Phillip Pestow. A 1938 graduate of Goshen High School, he earned an associate's degree in engineering from Tri-State University. He served with the U.S. Army from Dec. 1942 through Feb. 1946, earning a Bronze Star, and American Theater, Asiatic Pacific and Philippine Liberation ribbons. He retired from Fidler Inc. in 1984 as purchasing agent after 20 years of service. After retirement he and his wife traveled in their Air Stream, going to Alaska twice; and moved to their home on Long Lake, Michigan. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. The Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 9-9:50 a.m., Thursday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where Bernard was a member. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Violett Cemetery. Father Robert A. Van Kempen, St. Mary of the Annunciation, Bristol, will officiate. The Goshen Honor Guard will fold the American flag and taps will be played at the graveside. Memorials may be made to St. John's Catholic Church, the VFW, or American Lung Association, in memory of Bernard's son, Patrick.